On Nov. 7, voters in District 1 of the Winlock School District will vote to select a candidate to serve on the district’s school board.
Their choices are Ryan Gaylor or Thadeus Nelson.
The position, which comes with a four-year term, is tasked with reviewing and approving policy, hiring and negotiating with the superintendent and reviewing and adopting a budget, among other responsibilities.
The Chronicle asked both candidates the same three questions with a request to keep their responses to 150 words per question.
Ryan Gaylor:
What role should the district play in a student's life?
The short answer is one that prepares students for a successful life after school. But this is a complex question because there are a number of variables that change from district to district, such as the socioeconomic status of the community. In order to achieve the desired outcome, extra effort may be needed to support the social and emotional growth of the students.
The district also needs to listen to its staff. There is a symbiotic relationship between the students and the staff. The success of one often depends on the success of the other.
There’s a strong push in society for higher education. But not all students are going to benefit from a traditional college. Some might find a more meaningful and enjoyable life by pursuing a trade school. Having that strong relationship between the two better helps teachers guide their students on the right path for career development.
What is the biggest challenge you see facing the school district?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it's very subjective to one's point of view. An obvious major challenge is Winlock's budget crisis. A school needs its funds to be well managed in order to give the students and staff the tools necessary for academic success. However, my point of view comes from working for the district in the classroom. We need more support for struggling families. One goal, if elected, is to create or increase programs like the Strengthening Families Program or Love and Logic. Once a more stable budget is created, I would also like to see a family advocate at each school. Programs that advocate for the family would help build bridges rather than fences. A stronger family unit will increase student success and improve behavior. This in turn leads to greater academic achievements and thus better prepares future generations for life outside of school.
Why do you think you're the right candidate to serve on the school board?
First and foremost, I would say that it’s the time I’ve spent working for the district. In the past seven school years, I’ve worked as a paraeducator in math, in the study hall, and as a one-on-one in special education. I’ve also worked as a school bus driver and in the athletic department. This has given me a deep understanding of the struggles the staff and students are facing. My career history didn’t start in education but in construction. I started off as an equipment operator and worked my way up to management. As an estimator and project manager, I oversaw the budgeting and construction of multimillion-dollar projects. I understand the most basic economic fundamentals: you cannot spend more money than you take in. I also have a unique knack for thinking outside the box, and that's something I think our district needs more than a linear thinker.
Thadeus Nelson:
What role should the district play in a student's life?
The district's role is to provide students with a safe, comprehensive learning environment. The district should set high expectations for quality education, which supports strong student outcomes and prepares students for the future.
What is the biggest challenge you see facing the school district?
One of the biggest challenges in Winlock is building trust through transparency. Parents and community members need to know what and why decisions are being made. Another challenge in Winlock is attaining fiscal stability to fully support the needs of the students and staff.
Why do you think you're the right candidate to serve on the School Board?
I am passionate about education. I have 27 years of experience in the education system and have worked in many different facets. I have worked in both small and large school districts. I have been a classroom teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. I am currently in administrative leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for me to give back to the community in which I live.
